Children's stories brought to life

Here's a selection of my favourite pieces. Some are personal favourites that I created just for me, others are the result of a collaboration/work with a client. They're all images that I think give a good sense of what I love to illustrate and the themes and moods I try to convey. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to www.childrensillustrators.com/portfolio/siski to see a more complete portfolio!

I have worked with a lot of independent (self-publishing) authors and here is a selection of those books. I have to fall in love with the story in order to illustrate it as I spend several months with the characters and settings! 

It takes me around a week, on average, per illustration, although I work on several illustrations at once so I can avoid having to watch the watercolour paint dry! 

Fees depend on copyright required, how many sets of changes you'd like to include, and how much art direction is required (by you or from me). I charge the same fee for an illustration that covers a full double-page spread or set of vignettes for a double-page spread. I am open to working on a royalty basis, but only in unique cases, where the author has a wide media reach and I am passionate about their story/ies. 

Some spreads from Breathe, by Becky Hemsley.

These spreads are from Hop Lola Hop by Kathy Urban. 

These are from Goldie the Hand-picked Flower Girl by Mindy Weiss.

Reviews

Here's a sample of reviews and comments I've received from authors and publishers I've worked with. I think their satisfaction shows how much I enjoy the whole process and I do everything I can to ensure authors, art directors and designers find me easy (and even fun!) to work with.

Siski was a sheer joy to work with. From day one, she understood the brief perfectly and, on the rare occasion that I wanted to make suggestions, she listened and took them on board. Her artistic work is exactly right for the genre, and the resulting cover design is so good that I keep it on my monitor, to give me the inspiration to keep writing. Wholeheartedly recommended.
— Claire Nicholas, December 2022

Working with SIski Kalla was amazing, Siski was understanding of my communication difficulties and completing the project was a positive first experience for me! The completed cover illustration really took my book to the next level!
— Elle Yoder, October 2022

Siski is has wonderful creative intuition and willingness to collaborate. I trust her vision for my book cover, and overall, I just find working with her such a pleasure. Thank you, Siski!
— Leonora Ross, August 2022

I could not imagine life without Siski. Her illustrations and artwork were perfect. She is responsive and helpful and so kind and just a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend her to anyone and everyone!
— Chris Plumley, April 2022

As ever, it's been an absolute delight to work with Siski. She illustrated some spot images of the characters from my upcoming book. Her talent, skill and positive attitude shines through in all of her art. Siski is very easy to work with. I look forward to our next collaboration.
— Kathy Urban, April 2022

Siski was a dream to work with. Her illustrations are beautiful and a perfect complement for my words. She was also a great partner, often suggesting art ideas that enhanced my work. She was proactive and organized and a true professional. I hope I get to work with her again on future books.
— Phyllis Schwartz, Feb 24, 2022

Where to begin?! Siski is amazing. She is kind and helpful and above all her work is superb. She asked questions which drilled down to, and resulting, in, her illustrations being exactly what we were looking for. We could not be more pleased and highly recommend her to anybody.
— Chris Plumley

Siski is not only a fabulous artist, but a wonderful collaborator. She fully invested herself in my book from the start, and was gracious, thoughtful, terrifically creative, and shared willingly of her experience in my genre. I could not have found a better illustrator or collaborator for my children's book--her sensitivity and intelligence were evident in every lovely painting she did for me.
— Steve Schechter, Nov 16, 2021

Siski had been amazing to work with. She understood perfectly what I needed for my book cover. I am so pleased with the results. A thousand times, thank you, Siski!
— Leonora Ross, Oct 6, 2021

I asked Siski to illustrate my first children’s book, and it’s been the most incredible experience from start till finish. After trying (and failing) to find the right artist who’d be able to visualise my story, Siski’s first character sketches blew me away. I knew there and then that I had found the right illustrator to help me bring the story to life.
— Kathy Urban, Sep 19, 2021